Hello everyone, I’m Ringo.
Luna and I participated in another unique experience: Nagashi somen.
Nagashi somen is an activity you have to try when visiting Japan in summer. Though I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing it several times before, I was super looking forward and excited to enjoy this traditional activity once again!
Before enjoying Nagashi somen, we visited Kokuzo Shrine⛩️, which is located nearby the venue of Nagashi somen. The history of Kokuzo Shrine can be traced back around 2,000 years. It’s very historic.
Next to Kokuzo Shrine, you can see a giant sacred tree trunk. This two thousand-year-old tree was blown down by a typhoon in 1991 but its trunk was well-preserved beside the Shrine. Seeing the tree trunk in person was truly overwhelming. The hollow center part of this 2000-year-old tree could be so large that an adult could walk inside.
After visiting Kokuzo Shrine, we went to Teno spring for today’s Nagashi somen experience.
The elementary school children from Kumamoto who were digging potatoes with us also joined us. The somen with cool, flowing water were a perfect way to beat the summer heat.
Even though it was not my first time experiencing Nagashi somen, it was my first time using such a long bamboo and natural spring water. To make it even more fun, we added local blueberries in season and chocolate candies, which made the game more challenging. Both adults and kids had a blast!
Speaking of Nagashi somen, water plays a vital role. Aso is abundant in water resources, with natural springs found everywhere.
Among all the springs I’ve tried, my favorite one is the spring here, Teno Spring. It’s sweet and pure. If you’re driving around, I highly recommend stopping by to try this amazingly sweet spring water.
After the Nagashi somen, we went to play in the stream beside Kokuzo Shrine. The water was so cold it felt like it had just come out of the freezer❄️! We had a huge water fight and everyone’s clothes got completely wet. It was one of my favorite memories in Aso. I’m looking forward to coming back next time in summer and repeating this fun experience once again! While the water is shallow in some areas, you still should have to be noticed. Safety is always a priority!!
Last, if you’re planning a trip to Aso next summer, don’t miss the chance to cool off in the streams and have a spring tour to pick your favorite spring! That’s all for today. I’m Ringo.
Thank you for your watching
